The Following Candidate Statements have been provided by the Candidates who are running to be elected to the Reseda Neighborhood Council Board on November 8, 2007

Residential Category ( Vote for 2)

Dr. Andy Mars

Ph.D. in Education, Dr. Andy Mars, a former Teacher and Principal, works as an Educational Consultant to schools, parents, and students, locally and nationally). He directs his own day camp, overnight camp, and enrichment school, during the summer, (www.CampExploration.org), and leads children in hands-on community service projects on weekends with his non-profit organization, (www.KidsMakeADifference.org). Dr. Mars gives constant caring attention to each individual child, their interactions with others, and their relationships with the world around them. Committed to making a difference whenever, wherever, however he can, he serves on the board of, and volunteers for, numerous organizations. Pleased to join the Reseda Neighborhood Council this year, (as he was involved prior back East), he is currently revitalizing the Youth Advocacy Committee.

Maria Hernandez (write-in candidate)

I was born in the country of El Salvador. At the age of 10 years old, I started working to help my parents, my 3 sisters and 4 four brothers. I am the oldest.

In 1989, at the age of 15 years, I came to the United States of America, to work and earn money to provide a better quality of life for my family. I started working as a nanny making 35 dollars a week.

At the age of 18 ½ years, I got married. I have 2 children. In 1996, I became a permanent resident. In 1999, I became a Christian and a teacher to help children learn the word of God. In 2001, I graduated to Resident Manager at Aggla Apartment Association. From 2001-2006, I was womens' leader at my church and also got involved with LAPD by reporting all kinds of crime drug activity. Several searches were done by the information I provided. In 2002 and 2006, I was presented awards by several agencies of the City of Los Angeles.

In April 2004, I graduated from The Police Academy for the community. On October 28th in 2005, I became an American Citizen. I currently work in the area of Reseda as resident manager managing 81 units at J&B Asset Management LLC. Also, I manage 4 units in the City of North Hills and own 2 houses in the City of Palmdale. The reason I want to be a candidate is to help my community and have a better place to live free of fears.

Davin Peter Samoska - Write-In Candidate

Business Category (Vote for 2)

Faye Nia

Faye Nia, grew up, lived, and worked in the West San Fernando Valley for the past twenty (20) years. From high school through law school, Faye has been actively working toward the improvement of her community. As an attorney and a member of the Supreme Court of the United States, Faye has spent years advocating for victims of domestic violence and has diligently helped the residents of this community with their legal needs. An ardent mediator, Faye has regularly volunteered her time to help people resolve their legal issues in an amicable and collaborative manner. In addition to her legal service, Faye and her husband regularly volunteer their time in the Los Angeles Mission and various food drives. Additionally, they are proud members of the L.A.P.D. Booster Club, a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide computers and other educational tools for children in need. Although Faye is proud of her community activism, her real passion lies in her commitment to non-profit work. She is a dedicated volunteer at M.T.O. Shahmaghsoudi a non-profit organization in Reseda and is committed whole heartedly to serving this community for years to come. As a young and strong advocate for the people, the residents of Reseda should rest assure that Faye Nia will represent their rights and will fight for the betterment of Reseda.

Peter Hankwitz

PETER HANKWITZ is a talent manager and producer in the entertainment industry. He runs his own business in Reseda, Peter Hankwitz Production & Management, and he is the Co-Founder of the Reseda- based Robert Urich Foundation for Cancer Research.

Peter also was the 2006 Republican nominee for Congress from the San Fernando Valley’s 27th District, He currently serves on the National Council of Ambassadors for the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation.

Peter has been recognized by the City of Los Angeles for his efforts to end gang violence. He has conducted numerous seminars and lectures at PepperdineUniversity; UCLA; USC; University of Laverne; and Thoreau High School.

Peter was born September 11, 1968, on Beale Air Force Base in Marysville,California, and grew up in Oregon. Peter was accepted at USC, but chose instead to pursue a career in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles. In 20 years as a talent representative, manager, and producer, Peter has worked with actors such as Clint Eastwood, Bette Midler, James Woods, and Nicole Kidman. He also worked with First Lady Nancy Reagan on a series of 'Just Say No To Drugs' Public Service Announcements.

At Large (Vote for 4)

Garth Carlson

I was born in Southwestern Pennsylvania and came to California at the age of 10. I graduated from Venice High School and joined the U.S. Air Force where I served for 4 years. I attended College, but did not graduate.

I spent 5 years working for the Herald Examiner in the Circulation Department.

From 1967 to 1978 I worked in the auto parts business moving up to be General Manager.

I switched fields to become the General Manager of an Automotive Air Conditioning Company and later became part owner and managing partner of Air Doc Plus in the Auto Air Conditioning business.

I retired for a while then started my own Auto Parts business which I ran until I retired in 2006.

I became involved in the Neighborhood Watch and in 1994 I became the Police Community Representative for the 1038 Reporting District.

I was asked to become involved in the formation of the Reseda Neighborhood Council in 2001 and helped in the formation. I was elected to the first RNC Board and served as Vice Chairman until the spring of this year, when a resignation moved me to the Chairmanship.

During this period, I chaired the Community Relations Committee, and was asked to lend my expertise to an Outreach class at one of the Congress of Neighborhoods gathering.

I am running in this election because I believe that Neighborhood Councils will become more of a voice in our City politics as time passes and more people find that they do have a say in our community and can influence major issues by speaking out at the community level.

Cary Iaccino

My name is Cary Iaccino and I live in Reseda. I graduated from Saint Genevieve High School in 1991. I am an Eagle Scout and have attended Pierce College and CSUN. I currently own a small business building custom hot rods, and I write a monthly column for an automotive publication. Like many members of our community, I am not satisfied with various aspects of life in Reseda and our city. Attending Reseda Neighborhood Council meetings and Neighborhood watch meetings, in the last year, has given me a desire to serve the community and make a difference. If elected, my initial focus will be to inform Reseda stakeholders of the benefits of supporting their neighborhood council. Increasing their participation helps our community. With stakeholders input and support, the council can better assist and represent Reseda and provide the service that is difficult to get from our city government. I am fortunate having a flexible schedule to dedicate time to the council, and the drive to make a difference. Thank you for your consideration.

Anna Measles

My name is Anna Measles. I grew up in San Fernando Valley, last twenty–eight years I have lived in Reseda. I have two adult children. I am a Critical Care Nurse and have worked at the same hospital for over thirty-five years. I have been a school volunteer for over twenty years in various positions in the PTSA and am a “TAP Lady” at Sutter Middle School.

I participated in the certification process for the Reseda Neighborhood Council and was on the original Board. I have served as Parliamentarian for five years. I am presently serving on the following committees: Planning and Zoning, Finance, Bylaws and Election. I have participated in almost all outreach events. I am a member of the Reseda Neighborhood Watch. I would like to continue to improve the quality of life in RESEDA.

Norma Jean Mijangos

My desire to be a part of the RNC is due to the compassion and knowledge that we as a city need for each other.

As a Mom of two young children, I know that my husband and I need to work together, as a team, to raise our children.

This also applies to our community. We know that everyone wishes to see Change, Growth and Peace. To achieve this, we as a community, need to volunteer and be active.

We are so fortunate to live in a free country and a great city. I would be honored to be able to assist and help out in the city in which I live, the city that I love.